Thursday, June 18, 2009
Politics / Homo Sullivan: Cut Off the DNC's Money
Posted by Dan Savage on Thu, Jun 18, 2009 at 3:49 PM
Andrew has devoted all his time—and given over his blog—to the situation Iran (and he's been doing amazing work), so he hasn't been weighed in on the DOMA brief and the growing fury in the gay community. Until now:
One way to get the Obama administration's attention on civil rights is for gay people to stop funding the Democrats. That's all these people care about anyway when it comes to gays: our money. If the Democrats refuse to support us, refuse to support them. This is a start. But we need to get more creative. We need actions to highlight the administration's betrayals, postponements and boilerplate. We need to start confronting the president at his events. We need civil disobedience. We need to tell him we do not want another fricking speech where he tells us he is a fierce advocate for our rights, when that is quite plainly at this point not true.
Read the whole thing here. And you can read my call for civil disobedience here.
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1
Sign up to stand outside the White House gates.
http://forum.protestforhumanrights.com/u…
This protest is at the White House, but we will make it clear we expect our Congress to work for us too. Every Democrat not working for equal rights needs to get calls and letters.
http://forum.protestforhumanrights.com/u…
This protest is at the White House, but we will make it clear we expect our Congress to work for us too. Every Democrat not working for equal rights needs to get calls and letters.
2
Now I know how the republican's feel relying on money from evangelicals. Not to say the dem's aren't wrong for ignoring equality for all.
3
I just donated $10,000,000 to the Republican party. I didn't, but I totally would if I had that kind of money to blow. That would show 'em. At least the Republicans don't lie about how they'll treat me. And honesty always comes first in my book.
4
I hate to say this.... I feel i have been burned twice with promises from this president 1 the medical marijuana issue 2 gay equal rights issue.... I thought this was about change
5
Ok. So we are all pissed. Can we talk about something else now? Even for those of us who agree with you wholeheartedly, Dan, you are becoming a bit tiresome.
6
@5 No, we can't. If people aren't reminded about an issue they let it slide. We need to keep Obama's broken promises in the forefront of people's minds.
If you're not passionate about it, don't worry about it. Those that are working toward equal rights don't want to let it drop.
If you're not passionate about it, don't worry about it. Those that are working toward equal rights don't want to let it drop.
7
@5 You can talk about whatever the fuck you want. Dan can talk about whatever the fuck he wants. Problem solved!
8
It's important to keep this issue at the forefront of our minds and our discourse, whether in person or online.
9
What we need is LEADERSHIP. Real leadership - not just DC cocktail circuit "leadership" or whiny blogger play-loose-with-the-facts-for-the-sake-of-drama "leadership".
10
Have you taken the risk and signed up to do what needs be done? It doesn't have to be this exact ACTION, but it needs to be an ACTION that means you show up in public somewhere and politely but firmly insist on your rights. Marching doesn't count. Parades don't count.
Showing up at a VA Hospital with 50 other vets kicked out under DADT to file forms to claim your partner you married in California does count.
A million points of Light.
Showing up at a VA Hospital with 50 other vets kicked out under DADT to file forms to claim your partner you married in California does count.
A million points of Light.
11
Is it necessary to point out that witholding donations is NOT civil disobedience?
I mean, I think both are good plans. But Sullivan is a bit vague on what that civil disobedience might be.
Dan, at least, gave us a plan to work with!
I mean, I think both are good plans. But Sullivan is a bit vague on what that civil disobedience might be.
Dan, at least, gave us a plan to work with!
12
Sullivan sounds smart (mostly that classy Brit accent, I think). But he was totally wrong about Iraq. His credibility on Iran issues is seriously lacking. I worry if you are getting all your Iran info from Sullivan, Dan.
13
@10 Thank you, Will.
Everyone who is upset and says something needs to be done needs to do something. I've been promoting my effort over the past two days because I know lots of people don't have the time or inclination to organize. I did. I do. And I'm doing it.
Join me, join justmarried.us when they get started up, join Baconcat when that effort gets started up, or start your own thing.
But do something. I'll be standing in front of the White House from July 1-4, join me or take my place when I go.
protestforhumanrights.com
Everyone who is upset and says something needs to be done needs to do something. I've been promoting my effort over the past two days because I know lots of people don't have the time or inclination to organize. I did. I do. And I'm doing it.
Join me, join justmarried.us when they get started up, join Baconcat when that effort gets started up, or start your own thing.
But do something. I'll be standing in front of the White House from July 1-4, join me or take my place when I go.
protestforhumanrights.com
14
If you're still on Obama's email list it can be a little satisfying to cancel it and just put in the comments "DOMA." Take away the donations and their precious grassroots connections.
15
#5
If you don't like the subject at hand, then go read something lighter and more to your liking and general intellect.
I think the new issues of MAD and Cracked are out today...
If you don't like the subject at hand, then go read something lighter and more to your liking and general intellect.
I think the new issues of MAD and Cracked are out today...
16
Obama may not care about the gays but the 21 year old delegates in their Shepard Fairey t-shirts do. Losing the big gay love means losing the cool kids too. Without them, Obama is fucked.
18
1. Get a site in every state that lists every elected official and their position on DOMA DADAT marriage and ENDA
2. Get an online petition signature thingy going where everyone signs on to say"nope, not gonna give my dough to the people on that list except those who are right on those issues."
3. Will is right, you must also go get arrested somewhere and get on TV and go to jail, this builds HUGE media play and it's only then that the spokespersons and the fascinating human interest stories emerge.....
imgaine the two daddies go to jail
the KIRO camera focuses in on their 8 year old little boy......his big eyes... "And little Dan just wants his family to be recognized, too. Until his parents are let out of jail, he's going to go stay with his grandparents in Poulsbo."
JUST START AND DON'T STOP.
Here, now, in DC, in Albany, in every courthouse.
4. Oh and that not donating thing? Yup, stop being a doormat, duh.
Yes it is considered extremely um....what should I say....co-dependent, that's it....to give money to politicans who STAB YOU IN THE BACK AND DON'T VOTE FOR WHAT YOU WANT AND SIGN LAW BRIEFS SAYING YOU ARE VILE.
Machiavelli has a chapter on this, it's called "Cuomo Il Principato Manipulativo Podere Trovere Gli Molti Estupidos Codependicci Cuckoldinni" -- check it out.)
2. Get an online petition signature thingy going where everyone signs on to say"nope, not gonna give my dough to the people on that list except those who are right on those issues."
3. Will is right, you must also go get arrested somewhere and get on TV and go to jail, this builds HUGE media play and it's only then that the spokespersons and the fascinating human interest stories emerge.....
imgaine the two daddies go to jail
the KIRO camera focuses in on their 8 year old little boy......his big eyes... "And little Dan just wants his family to be recognized, too. Until his parents are let out of jail, he's going to go stay with his grandparents in Poulsbo."
JUST START AND DON'T STOP.
Here, now, in DC, in Albany, in every courthouse.
4. Oh and that not donating thing? Yup, stop being a doormat, duh.
Yes it is considered extremely um....what should I say....co-dependent, that's it....to give money to politicans who STAB YOU IN THE BACK AND DON'T VOTE FOR WHAT YOU WANT AND SIGN LAW BRIEFS SAYING YOU ARE VILE.
Machiavelli has a chapter on this, it's called "Cuomo Il Principato Manipulativo Podere Trovere Gli Molti Estupidos Codependicci Cuckoldinni" -- check it out.)
19
Imagine! Sullivan FINALLY understands that money talks! ALERT ALERT. The rest of us have known this for years. I pay for service well done. I don't put money down and then "HOPE" for change. No no, I'm not that naive.
20
Remember, local actions make it possible for non-rich gays and str8s who are friendly to help. Come up with your own ideas, make sure it's not a quick drive by (e.g. only one day, usually needs to be at least a week) and make sure it's a real action where you politely but firmly demand the rights you have that should be there.
Heck, you could even ride bikes around a courthouse and do Critical Mass at the same time.
Use your own ideas, but make sure they are persistant actions where you literally are there - physically.
The main problem for some will be not getting angry when you do it, actually.
Heck, you could even ride bikes around a courthouse and do Critical Mass at the same time.
Use your own ideas, but make sure they are persistant actions where you literally are there - physically.
The main problem for some will be not getting angry when you do it, actually.
22
yes, because what will make this better is more online tantrums and fewer democrats in congress to help Obama fulfill his recently-restated promise to repeal DOMA.
25
Dan:
Put up or shut up. Angrily tapping away on your laptop ain't doing shit. People only take from you what you allow them to take. You do understand that typing the words "civil disobedience" doesn't mean you actually participated in the act, right?
GO. NOW.
Put up or shut up. Angrily tapping away on your laptop ain't doing shit. People only take from you what you allow them to take. You do understand that typing the words "civil disobedience" doesn't mean you actually participated in the act, right?
GO. NOW.
27
@16 FTW
You've hit the nail on the head. Obama won his Presidency on the youth vote that turned out to the polls in droves. Gay Rights = Civil Rights and are a no brainer for Gen Y just cutting their teeth on politics. Change We Can Believe In is going to quickly become Any Politician = Liar. Anylne older than Gen Y knows this but the Honeymoon will definitely be over for Obama and the youth vote. They will either become disillusioned or throw their weight behind a candidate who more closely promotes their values.
The GOP is a mess and struggling to find their focus after being associated with the Fundies for so long. Meghan McCain has given many interviews on her vision of the GOP to get back to basics on fiscal conservatism yet be more embracing of "liberalism" on social issues citing same-sex marriage. When Obama, Pelosi and the Dem's fuck this up, and they will, watch the exodus from the DNC to the RNC. Sarah Palin is not the new face of the GOP, people like Meghan McCain are, and whomever steps up to the plate for 2012 promoting a more middle of the road party is going to leave Obama and the Dem's in the dust. All the bigoted dinosaurs are dying off, is Pat Robertson likely to be around to spew his bile come 2012? But lots of 15, 16, and 17 year olds will be first time voters next time around.
You've hit the nail on the head. Obama won his Presidency on the youth vote that turned out to the polls in droves. Gay Rights = Civil Rights and are a no brainer for Gen Y just cutting their teeth on politics. Change We Can Believe In is going to quickly become Any Politician = Liar. Anylne older than Gen Y knows this but the Honeymoon will definitely be over for Obama and the youth vote. They will either become disillusioned or throw their weight behind a candidate who more closely promotes their values.
The GOP is a mess and struggling to find their focus after being associated with the Fundies for so long. Meghan McCain has given many interviews on her vision of the GOP to get back to basics on fiscal conservatism yet be more embracing of "liberalism" on social issues citing same-sex marriage. When Obama, Pelosi and the Dem's fuck this up, and they will, watch the exodus from the DNC to the RNC. Sarah Palin is not the new face of the GOP, people like Meghan McCain are, and whomever steps up to the plate for 2012 promoting a more middle of the road party is going to leave Obama and the Dem's in the dust. All the bigoted dinosaurs are dying off, is Pat Robertson likely to be around to spew his bile come 2012? But lots of 15, 16, and 17 year olds will be first time voters next time around.
28
The DNC, not just Obama needs to feel the pressure to act and not just throw a bone here and there. With a Dem majority which may be out of the picture quite soon, now is the time for change. The major pressing issues of the economy, health care and foreign policy are far more complex than repealing DOMA and DADT and granting the rights of full citizenship. The planning and execution thereof are far more simple in comparison and the "too busy" argument is a weak cop-out.
Imagine that, Dan is bogging about important issues where action can accomplish something, rather than the Youth Pastor Watch. I would much rather read about this.
Imagine that, Dan is bogging about important issues where action can accomplish something, rather than the Youth Pastor Watch. I would much rather read about this.
29
@16: Writing is involvement, it is doing something. Screaming "do something" at writers—even bloggers—is leotarded. And I said in the CD post I wrote that I'm willing to go and get arrested. I was willing to get arrested the day I carried drugs and a gun into the mayor's office. La la la.
30
Hey Dan,
I think you're gonna need to spearhead the sign-up list for couples or website on this if we wanna see some action. The rest of the gay blogosphere seems to love the idea, but now we need gay couples to commit and share their stories all the way up the the arrest. Imagine a website where the couples from each state who sign up can put photos of themeselves and their kids and then later have a recount of the arrest with more pics. Brilliant.
But I fear if you do not get the ball rolling, neither will anyone else and it'll be relegated to the good ideas that never happened.
I think you're gonna need to spearhead the sign-up list for couples or website on this if we wanna see some action. The rest of the gay blogosphere seems to love the idea, but now we need gay couples to commit and share their stories all the way up the the arrest. Imagine a website where the couples from each state who sign up can put photos of themeselves and their kids and then later have a recount of the arrest with more pics. Brilliant.
But I fear if you do not get the ball rolling, neither will anyone else and it'll be relegated to the good ideas that never happened.
31
I'm starting to believe some of you are actually mentally retarded. I mean you'd have to be to think that Republicans are better for your cause or to think withdrawing your support of the Democrats will somehow help your cause. I'm not talking about people who are pissed off and making that known--I'm talking about you self-righteous narcissistic fucks who think Republicans would somehow be better, or that the Democrats actually hate gays or something now. I guess this is what happens when a community has its collective head up its ass. Maybe some of you mental midgets can explain to me how things would be so much better under the Republicans or without Obama. No, of course not, because you're not rational. In fact, some of you are fucking delusional.
33
@29&30
Because I haven't started the work. I haven't been begging people to get involved. I haven't given people a place to organize and make this happen.
Are you really working on this Dan? Or are you just talking? I'm sure the people that expressed support for the CD effort want to hear something is being done.
This post may sound a hit self-congratulatory but people are working on it. I'm not sure why everyone is waiting on a proclamation from Dan to get involved.
Because I haven't started the work. I haven't been begging people to get involved. I haven't given people a place to organize and make this happen.
Are you really working on this Dan? Or are you just talking? I'm sure the people that expressed support for the CD effort want to hear something is being done.
This post may sound a hit self-congratulatory but people are working on it. I'm not sure why everyone is waiting on a proclamation from Dan to get involved.
35
Dan:
Writing is involvement? Right, because the first thing the President does every morning is check to see what Dan Savage posted on his fucking blog.
He might, however, pay attention when you got your gay ass arrested out in front of his house. You brought this on yourself. You don't get to say "Hey, lets all get arrested!" in an earnest, honest tone and then retreat to "I'm just a writer" when somebody calls you out on it.
I'm here, in DC, right now. I'd meet you there tomorrow, or the next day, or the next. Only trouble is I'm not gay so I don't think it would have the same effect. If you have something else in mind I could do, let me know.
Your all talk Dan. You traffic in useless (self)righteous indignation flung into cyber space where it dissipates in a matter of hours.
Your a fucking pussy.
Writing is involvement? Right, because the first thing the President does every morning is check to see what Dan Savage posted on his fucking blog.
He might, however, pay attention when you got your gay ass arrested out in front of his house. You brought this on yourself. You don't get to say "Hey, lets all get arrested!" in an earnest, honest tone and then retreat to "I'm just a writer" when somebody calls you out on it.
I'm here, in DC, right now. I'd meet you there tomorrow, or the next day, or the next. Only trouble is I'm not gay so I don't think it would have the same effect. If you have something else in mind I could do, let me know.
Your all talk Dan. You traffic in useless (self)righteous indignation flung into cyber space where it dissipates in a matter of hours.
Your a fucking pussy.
38
Dan, are you willing to vote for a 3rd party candidate over this issue, even if it means that a Republican could win the election? I'm guessing not.
If I'm right, then you will support the Democrats in elections, which is the only time they really care about your support.
If I'm right, then you will support the Democrats in elections, which is the only time they really care about your support.
39
Here's an idea, donate money, time, etc. to elect a Green Party representative out of a Dem district. The Green Party has supported full rights for LGBT folks for a looong time and trust me it would get the notice of the Democrats pretty damn quick. Plus, no downside. The GP candidate would caucus with the Dems and stand as a example of what progressive politics actually mean.
40
@35 I'll see you in DC then, right? I'll be flying in the 30th and be standing outside the White House on the 1st. Bring a banner with a quote of the President's supporting our cause and stand with me.
Momentum follows action. I don't care if you're gay or straight. The more people standing together, the less they can ignore us.
protestforhumanrights.com
Momentum follows action. I don't care if you're gay or straight. The more people standing together, the less they can ignore us.
protestforhumanrights.com
41
@35 -- Really? Dan is stoking the fires, inspiring others to action, getting people talking, going on tv, debating, getting yelled at by all sides. I don't think you can genuinely say he's not accomplishing anything by tapping away on his laptop. It might not be the action you want, but then that's a great opportunity to "be the change you see want to see". I'm really thankful that Dan is keeping the pressure on.
42
@41: Anonymous posters get pretty brazen in telling what other people they should do. This column gets the word out to a decently large audience.
The grammarfail ape has no clue what anyone else is doing.
On the issue: all of the actions brought up here: protests, withholding money, writing/calling/emailing/faxing representatives and spreading the word all matter and should be kept up. I'm considering the administration's actions to be a D- at best with regards to LGBT rights, but I still think it's too soon to call it "backstabbing". The rights should have already been fixed or at least addressed, but there's still time.
I ~hope~ it won't stay that way.
The grammarfail ape has no clue what anyone else is doing.
On the issue: all of the actions brought up here: protests, withholding money, writing/calling/emailing/faxing representatives and spreading the word all matter and should be kept up. I'm considering the administration's actions to be a D- at best with regards to LGBT rights, but I still think it's too soon to call it "backstabbing". The rights should have already been fixed or at least addressed, but there's still time.
I ~hope~ it won't stay that way.
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